II CORINTHIANS 2:1-11

Transcription

1 II CORINTHIANS 2:1-11 Lesson 4 FIRST DAY: Review and Overview 1. Briefly share how the lesson or lecture on II Corinthians 1:12-24 has influenced your life this week. 2. Even as modern medicine has developed ways of examining the human heart, we are able to view Paul s spiritual heart through II Corinthians 2:1-11. In these verses Paul s heart is opened revealing his love and compassion for the Corinthian church. Paul not only wrote this letter with a clear conscience but with tender affection revealing his pastor s heart. Through our study we will also discover important principles concerning confrontation and restoration of a believer. Read II Corinthians 2:1-11 and give this passage a brief title. 3. Let the scriptures printed below be a reminder to you of the importance of Bible study. In response to this express to the Lord your greatest desire and need in relationship to your study this week. Write your prayer here. Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee. Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. The entrance of Thy Words giveth light; it giveth understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:11,105, Calvary Chapel Joyful Life Women s Ministries 3800 S. Fairview Rd., Santa Ana, CA Printed in the USA

2 SECOND DAY: Read II Corinthians 2: In II Corinthians 2:1-4 Paul gave further explanation for his change of plans to visit the Corinthian church. Each verse conveys a depth of emotion that reveals the depth of Paul s concern for these believers. Notice this as you read II Corinthians 2:1-4. From verse 1 what had Paul determined? a. The word heaviness could be translated sorrow. Link this with the following New Living Translation of II Corinthians 1:23b: The reason I didn t return to Corinth was to spare you from a severe rebuke. What does this tell you about Paul? 2. Based on II Corinthians 2:1-4 some Bible scholars think Paul made a second visit to Corinth after which he wrote another letter which has never been found. Many other Bible expositors, including Pastor Chuck, believe Paul wrote II Corinthians as a follow-up to his first letter to the church at Corinth. With this in mind read II Corinthians 2:1-4, using other versions if you desire. Summarize the point Paul made concerning a future visit with them. 3. When Paul had to confront the sin issue among the Christians at Corinth, it was painful for him. Read II Corinthians 2:4 once again to see the extent of his pain. Paul s goal was not to grieve them, but to love them. Confronting others in any other attitude of mind or heart would be hurtful. What instruction concerning this is given in Galatians 6:1? a. Circle or highlight the word in this verse that reveals the purpose for confrontation. b. Why would humility contribute to success in restoration? c. Consider the following exhortation from Ephesians 4:15a,... speaking the truth in love... How can we do this? How painful it was to write that letter! Heartbroken, I cried over it. I didn t want to hurt you, but I wanted you to know how very much I love you. II Corinthians 1:4 NLT 2

3 THIRD DAY: Read II Corinthians 2: II Corinthians 2:5 begins a new paragraph that ends with verse 11. This passage deals with the discipline, repentance and restoration of a sinning believer. Pastor Chuck and many other Bible teachers believe verse 5 refers to the man in I Corinthians 5. Consider the affect one person s sin can have on the church as you read II Corinthians 2:5 TLB: Remember that the man I wrote about, who caused all the trouble, has not caused sorrow to me as much as to all the rest of you though I certainly have my share in it too. How can a Christian ensnared in sin bring pain to the church? a. Why is it so important to recognize the effect a believer s sin has on others? Advanced Students: Read I Corinthians 5. Summarize Paul s instruction to this church. 2. Paul s earlier letter instructing the Corinthians to discipline this erring Christian had been effective in bringing him to repentance. How does II Corinthians 2:6 NIV confirm this? The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient for him. 3. Read II Corinthians 2:7,8. Apparently the Corinthian Christians continued to ostracize the repentant believer. What specific instructions were they given in verses 7,8? a. If believers withhold love, forgiveness and encouragement what might happen to the repentant offender? Answer in your own words. (1.) What other consequences could result from withholding forgiveness? (2.) Why do you think some believers refuse to forgive the repentant sinner? b. Suggest a practical way you could carry out these instructions to assure a repentant person of your forgiveness and acceptance. Forgiveness is the medicine that heals the broken and contrite heart. -selected 3

4 FOURTH DAY: Read II Corinthians 2: Three times in this chapter Paul gave an explanation for writing to them. What reason is recorded in II Corinthians 2:9? a. Obedient in verse 9 refers to obedience to the Lord. Notice the repetition of the words forgive and forgave in verse 10. How is walking in forgiveness a proof of our obedience to the Lord? Support your answer with scripture if possible. (1.) According to Ephesians 4:32b what should be the measure of our forgiveness? Selah. b. Paul wanted the believers to be obedient in all things. They were obedient when they needed to exercise correction. The test of obedience in verses 7-9 was to show love and forgiveness. How does the phrase obedience in all things speak to you today? 2. Forgiveness is a fundamental part of every believer s life. Read Jesus parable about forgiveness in Luke 15: What do you learn about forgiveness from the following characters: a. the father b. the repentant son c. the elder brother 3. To further your understanding use a dictionary and define the word forgive. a. Complete today s lesson by writing your own definition of forgiveness. Therefore, as God s chosen people... clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Colossians 3:12,13 NIV 4

5 FIFTH DAY: Read II Corinthians 2:10,11 1. Paul expected these Corinthian believers to forgive the repentant believer and restore him to fellowship. What would Paul do according to II Corinthians 2:10? Advanced Students: Explain the phrase in the person of Christ. II Corinthians 2:10 2. Observe the link between unforgiveness and satan from II Corinthians 2:10,11. What do you see? a. Verse 11 alone should compel us to forgive. What advantage could satan have in our life and our relationships when we refuse to forgive? b. What do you learn about forgiveness from Matthew 6:14,15? 3. In II Corinthians 2:11b Paul assumed that these believers were not ignorant of his (satan s) devices (schemes, strategies). What exhortation and warning does I Peter 5:8 give us? a. What measures can you take to protect yourself from the devices of the enemy? SIXTH DAY: Review II Corinthians 2: What do you consider to be the most important truth or discovery you have acquired through this lesson? 5

6 2. To maintain purity of the church, discipline is necessary for sinning believers. Recall one instruction or principle concerning this from II Corinthians 2:1-11 and record it here. 3. With this week s study in mind write a brief comment about the following: a. confronting another believer b. forgiveness c. obedience d. satan s devices 4. Through this week s lesson we had an opportunity to look into the heart of Paul. What did you see? a. Share a way his example ministers to you. And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ s sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32 6